Hope Truck organizers thank contributors to inaugural campaign

MOBERLY LAKE, B.C. — Organizers of a coal hauling fundraiser have issued a letter thanking contributions to their inaugural campaign.

The Hope Truck Fundraiser was a six-month initiative benefitting youth in both First Nations and Peace region communities which began in March and ended in mid-September.

The campaign was spearheaded by West Moberly Industrial Metalworks (WM-IMW), a division of West Moberly First Nations’ economic arm, West Moberly Corporate Alliance, and Conuma Resources.

A gala commemorating the end of the fundraiser was held on Saturday, September 27th at Sauleau First Nations (SFN) cultural centre. 

West Moberly Industrial Metalworks’ (WM-IMW) director of marketing and Indigenous relations, Marilyn Nelson, wrote a letter saying the end celebration was a reflection of “such a beautiful reflection of what can happen when communities, industry and individuals come together with shared goals.”

“It’s been incredible to see how this initiative has brought us together,” wrote Nelson. “[From] sharing stories, learning from one another and celebrating our collective achievements. I’m so excited to continue moving forward together.”

Featuring a refurbished Caterpillar 793 haul truck, each haul of coal taken from the Quintette mine was sponsored and benefitted youth programs in culture, education, sports and wellness.

With the truck painted orange, the colour of reconciliation, communities involved include SFN and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) alongside the districts of Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge.

Final tallies of funds will be “released soon,” Nelson told Energeticcity.ca. Further details about the Hope Truck Fundraiser can be found by visiting its website.